Nissan Leaf Named Best Car for Commuting by TrueCarScore.com

Creeping through rush-hour traffic is certainly not the most fun thing to do in a car, but many commuters spend a good part of their day driving to and from a city for work. Fortunately for those drivers, TrueCarScore.com recently compiled its Top 10 Cars for Commuting list to help make the miles pass by a little less painfully. It was the all-electric 2012 Nissan Leaf that topped the list, due in part to its impressive 106 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in the city.

The Top 10 Cars for Commuting list was determined by taking each vehicle’s True Car Score, which consolidates ratings from publications like Consumer Guide, Edmunds.com and MSN Autos, and then factoring in city fuel-economy ratings. Most Leaf owners are likely not surprised by their vehicle’s latest accolade; collectively, they have now racked up more than 100 million miles together globally. In the United States alone, owners have driven more than 61 million miles in the Leaf.

“The Leaf is saving commuters a lot of money, not only because they can pass up the pump, but also because the car’s motor only runs when you’re pressing the pedal, so you don’t waste energy in stop-and-go traffic,” said Jeff Rosen, general manager of Rosen Nissan Milwaukee, a Wisconsin Nissan dealer. “The average American drives less than 29 miles a day, and many Milwaukee commuters drive much less than that, meaning they can take the Leaf to work and back without ever having to worry about charging up.”

Aside from the absence of gas costs, the Nissan Leaf has many other standard features designed to make commuting more pleasant. Heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel are welcome touches during winter-morning drives into the office, as are the heated outside mirrors that melt frost for improved visibility. Leaf drivers can also use the Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity to stay productive during their commute, while automatic LED headlights and a navigation system can help them stay on track should they try a new detour.

Power for the Nissan Leaf comes from an 80-kW electric motor that produces 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. All of that torque is delivered as soon as the driver steps down on the pedal, resulting in smooth and consistent acceleration. With a full charge of its advanced lithium-ion battery, the Leaf has an EPA-rated range of 73 miles, though Nissan estimates that the vehicle can drive up to 100 miles in city driving.

As zero-emission cars gain wider adoption, Nissan is using its experience with the Leaf to develop other electrified drivetrains. At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the automaker recently introduced the Terra SUV concept, a hydrogen-fuel-cell electric vehicle that uses a fuel-cell stack to power an electric motor similar to that found in the Leaf. To give the sustainable crossover all-wheel-drive capability, Nissan installed electric motors in each of the rear wheels as well, allowing the Terra to distribute power between them as needed.

“The Terra concept is really the ultimate no-sacrifice green vehicle,” added Rosen. “Drivers that are conscious about their wallet and the environment could still go just about anywhere with its innovative all-wheel-drive system. Once the right fuel-cell infrastructure is put in place, we expect to see the Terra’s technology being used both on and off road.”

About Rosen Nissan Milwaukee:

Part of the Rosen Motors Group, Rosen Nissan Milwaukee is home to a personable and experienced sales staff that is dedicated to finding each customer’s ideal new, used or certified pre-owned Nissan. Wisconsin Nissan drivers can also depend on the dealership’s factory-trained technicians to keep their vehicle running smoothly, whether they need scheduled maintenance or a serious repair. View Rosen Nissan’s entire inventory online at www.rosennissan.com or call 414-239-9306 to schedule a test-drive from their location at 5505 South 27th St. in Milwaukee. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RosenNissanKia.